He is only be one game in to his AFL career, but fans across the country on Saturday night learned there is plenty to like about Clay Cameron.

The young defender was excellent in his debut performance for the Gold Coast SUNS against Richmond, playing much taller than his 190cm stature suggests.

He all but shut out the Tigers’ third tall forward, and saved an almost certain goal after going back with the flight of the ball to spoil a Brett Deledio mark at a pivotal time in the contest..

It was a game-changing play from the former Mt Gravatt junior, and Gold Coast SUNS assistant coach Dean Solomon could not have been more excited by Cameron’s promising start. 

“The role he played for us – he was on opposition players up to 10 to 12 cm taller than him, then on small guys who were nippy  - was faultless; he executed everything we asked of him,” Solomon told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Cameron joins a special group of Gold Coast players to play in a winning side on debut, with fellow first-gamers Sean Lemmens and Jack Martin added to that select few. 

The highly-rated Queenslander showed nerves of steel in his first senior appearance and is a strong chance to remain in the senior team for some time.

“Obviously it’s great to get your first game in AFL footy because it’s something you’ve been dreaming of since you were a young boy,” Cameron said.

“So to play my first game, I’m stoked, and especially to get the win.”

While Solomon was pleased with Cameron’s first glimpse at the top level, the defensive mentor reminded his emerging backman he is only as good as his last game. 

“He knows that we do not get too carried away with one game, but so far he has been very exciting.”